When you are mulling over interacting with any business, whether it’s an insurance company or any other business, you first want to know at least some basic things about it. These things may include a little introduction, values the company adheres to, their policies, mission statement, past record of conduct, and any special requirements. The prior knowledge of these things becomes indispensable when the matter is directly related to the well-being of people with old age.
The fact that people who cross the mark of 50 years are physically and mentally vulnerable to a number of issues makes it imperative to take special care of them and provide the basic necessities that they need.
People around us age with time. And as they gradually take the journey of life, the road becomes longer not because it keeps expanding inch by inch, but because of the fact that our physical health fades away with time and leaves us at the mercy of circumstances.
That is why it is a wise thing to be well-prepared for the inevitable challenge that is to come sooner or later, or equip those already in that challenging phase with enough resources to live a life that is not deprived of fun and is worry-free. Because the feeling that there is someone who has got our back is something to live by.
AARP perfectly fits the description in this context. It has been taking care of the needs and wants of the old Americans for many past decades. You would probably have already heard about it, but this guide will equip you with all the information you need to get going. Let’s start with the introduction of the company.
What is AARP?
AARP is an acronym of the American Association of Retired Persons is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing various services i.e. healthcare, insurance, education, travel, etc. to Americans that are aged beyond 50. It was founded in 1958 by co-founded Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, who is a retired educator from California, and Leonard Davis. AARP is considered one of the most powerful organizations in the USA with around 38 million members.
It is also known for strong lobbying groups with deep connections in powerful circles. The purpose of AARP is to empower old Americans and help them in improving their quality of life as they get old. Among other benefits that the members receive from AARP, they are also entitled to a magazine and bulletin, which are also the largest publications in the United States.
AARP The Magazine covers a diverse range of topics, ranging from lifestyle, business, healthcare, travel, relationships, to entertainment, book, and movie reviews. However, it majorly focuses on issues related to the old age population of the country.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is basically an evolved version of the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA) which was founded by Ethel. Although the organization worked for the promotion and well-being of old-age Americans, its scope was limited and only encompassed old teachers. In the next 10 years, with the foundation of AARP, National Retired Teachers Association became one of the affiliated organizations.
In 2019, AARP managed to garner $1.70 billion as its revenue via advertising and royalties. To present, AARP has helped millions of old-age Americans in continuing with their careers, better healthcare, investment opportunities, and insurance products.
How does AARP work?
AARP functions through a vastly spread network of offices that exists in almost every state in the US and carries out its services through volunteer force. It is operated with the help of its volunteer board that comprises 20 volunteers. Things that the organization routinely focuses on are independent living, healthcare, education, security, and other consumer issues.
AARP has its legislative teams and lawyers that advocate the rights of Americans, especially retired and old Americans in the national legislature as well in the courts of law.
In terms of finance, AARP generates its revenue from different endeavors. It charges for its membership that is available to all Americans over 18 years.
AARP membership costs
AARP charges $16 for its one-year membership plan. However, their membership costs vary along with discounts for those aspirants who look for more than one-year membership. More details are as below:
- AARP provides a 25% discount and charges $12 if anyone joins them for a one-year plan and also opts for their auto-renew option.
- AARP provides a 10% discount and charges $14.34 if anyone joins them for 3 years.
- AARP provides a 21% discount and charges $12.60 if anyone joins them for 5 years.
Two branches of AARP
Although there are various affiliated organizations working under AARP, it has two main branches through which it provides its services for older citizens: AARP Services and AARP Foundation.
AARP Services
AARP Services monitors the quality of products the organization is offering to its members. If a member has any complaint, query, or feedback about any product, it comes under the responsibility of AARP Services to address that. What’s more, AARP Services doesn’t only deal with questions about physical goods. The intangible aspects of AARP products including insurance plans, travel packages, health service delivery, etc., all are looked after by this branch of the organization.
AARP Foundation
AARP Foundation is an antonym to its other branch. This branch engages with the members of the organization and has no connection to the service delivery or products. According to an official document, this branch works “for low income and disadvantaged seniors to help them meet their daily needs”. AARP Foundation works under the slogan of “For a future without senior poverty.” Whether it’s delivering food boxes at home to seniors, preparing seniors for jobs, helping them in their finances, or any other kind of other activity that warrants physical engagement comes under the domain of this branch.
What is AARP good for?
AARP is popular in the United States for a long range of benefits that members of the organization are subjected to. From traveling to hoteling, entertainment to finances, and from health and wellness to gas and auto services, if you are one of 50+ people, AARP has got you covered.
We have outlined the most popular benefits that add to the stature of AARP in American society:
AARP Travel
Thinking about your next travel destination? No worries, AARP knows many! Just phone them and an official will come in contact with you about the details of the destination you want to spend your vacation at.
Delta Dental
AARP is in collaboration with various healthcare companies and provides premium healthcare insurance-based benefits to members. If you have any dental problem, AARP Dental Insurance Plan that is administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company offers both individual and family coverage.
AARP Hearing Center
Hearing loss is one of the ailments that is faced by seniors as they age. But with AARP Hearing Center, it can be treated and the impact can be minimized to live well with hearing loss. Members can not only find information, tools, and solutions to hearing problems but also can take scientifically validated phone-administered hearing test, and that too for free every year.
AARP Job Board
At the AARP Job Board, seniors can easily find some work that matches their interests. The job search has been made easy with filters, using which one can find part-time work, full-time work, or work from home positions in a matter of seconds.
AARP Auto Buying Program
Through this program, AARP is offering the best deals to get you a new or used car with the safety features you need. You can save thousands on any new car you purchase.
What is the AARP minimum age requirement?
AARP offers its membership to all American adult citizens. However, its full membership is only available to old Americans that are beyond 50 years of age. It is pertinent to mention that retirement is not mandatory to get an AARP membership. If you are an on-service American citizen beyond 50, you are eligible for the full membership of AARP.
While associate membership is available for younger Americans, they might not be eligible to get the same benefits as the old members.
AARP affiliates
We have already mentioned AARP Services and AARP Foundation, the two main branches of AARP above. Just for a recap; AARP Services is a for-profit corporation that sees quality-check of the products and services AARP offers to its members. While AARP Foundation is a charity that is focused on the welfare and wellbeing of older Americans.
The other affiliates of the organization are:
AARP Driver Safety
This part of the organization holds driver safety courses for older adults. It was the first of its kind in the United States when it was introduced back in 1979. The course offered through the program can be taken in a classroom setting but considering the daily commute problems of older Americans, the course is easily accessible via the internet. Since its inception, this course has prepared around 15 million older drivers. Toyota, a famous global automobile company, supports the program with a grant.
Legal Counsel for the Elderly
Legal Counsel for the Elderly is a non-profit charity of AARP that helps senior citizens in matters pertaining to legal issues in Washington D.C.
AARP Financial Services Corporation
AARP Financial Services Corporation manages AARP’s real estate and is for-profit.
What is AARP Insurance?
AARP offers an array of benefits to its members that have subscribed to their full membership. One of the benefits is their insurance. You might be surprised to know the kind of advantages that come with AARP Insurance.
AARP Insurance is a general insurance plan under which AARP offers different health, car, home, pet, etc., insurance plans. With the help of AARP Insurance, the organization ensures that its members remain tension-free and live a happy life in the latter half of their lives. Below are some of the important AARP Insurance for you to know:
AARP Auto Insurance Program
With the AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford, there are a number of benefits that members of the organization can enjoy. For one, the members can get a straight discount for three years on cars when they complete the AARP Smart Driver Course. Members also get 10% off while requesting quote online or for bundling auto and home policies. Other benefits are Accident Forgiveness; in case something totally unwanted happens; and Disappearing Deductible. The old adults can also get premium claims services via AARP Auto Insurance Program. To register for the program, you need to send The Hartford a copy of your certificate and that’s it.
AARP Homeowners Insurance Program
Home is the biggest of the assets we have and securing it and protecting it remains at the top of our priorities. Don’t worry if you own a house or condo or even live on rent, with AARP Homeowners Insurance Program, you can get valuable coverage for personal property and protection against personal liability. What’s more, you can also choose some of the most efficient plans designed for AARP members i.e. New for Old Protection and Disappearing Property Deductible. With this program, you can also save up to 20% when you bundle your home and auto policies.
Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance
If your pet has fallen sick, you can get it treated at any licensed vet in the U.S. or Canada with the plans offered under this insurance program. AARP members can save up to 10% monthly with the help of Fetch by The Dodo Pet Insurance.
AARP mission statement
The mission and vision of AARP is to make life worth living, no matter if one has lived for half a century, or already crossed it. AARP wants to create a society where no one feels lowly due to older age. The American Association of Retired Persons is set on a mission to help older Americans to live with dignity and honor by learning and subsequently pursuing their professional careers.
The mission statement on the official website of AARP is:
“AARP enhances the quality of life for all as we age. We champion positive social change and deliver value through advocacy, information, and service.”
While AARP’s vision statement is:
“A society in which all people live with dignity and purpose, and fulfill their goals and dreams.”
Who is eligible for AARP?
AARP entertains membership to the following only:
- A legal citizen of the United States of America
- Younger American (associate membership only)
- Older Americans (full membership)
It is important to note here that only members that are beyond fifty are eligible to get full access to all the benefits provided by the organization. In case you are under 50, the benefits would be limited. However, you can still get insurance products that are not age-restricted.
Why you should join AARP in your 20s?
There is no dearth of benefits after you get the membership of AARP. Whether you are above or below 50 years, you are still eligible for different advantages attached to the membership. $16 is what is needed to pay to secure the membership of AARP and make yourself eligible for an array of discounts on your entertainment, travel, or dining endeavors.
If you are in your 20s, here’s why you should join AARP in your 20s:
Dining discounts:
If you are dining at Denny’s or Joe’s Crab Shack and Outback Steakhouse, you can get a discount between 10 to 15% given you have acquired the membership of AARP. You can find other restaurant discounts here on the official website of AARP.
Entertainment discounts
Planning to hit cinemas any time soon? If you have got your hands on AARP members, you can get up to a 20% discount on specific tickets and $3 off concessions at Regal Cinemas.
Travel discounts
If you are a hodophile and love to explore the wonders of the earth, you will love to know that British Airways flights charge $200 off on any ticket for AARP members. You can also save up to 30% on rental car services like Budget and Avis if you are entitled to the membership of AARP.
How to join AARP?
Interested in joining AARP? It’s only a few clicks away!
You can join AARP in two ways. You can call them at 1-888-687-2277 and initiate the member registration process, or you can simply log in to their website and fill out the registration form to become a member of AARP.
Bottom line
That was all of it. If you have made it to this last part of the article, you now have everything there’s to know about AARP. Simply put, AARP is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that is providing welfare services ranging from health, jobs, and education to Americans beyond 50 years. They operate through branches and affiliates that carry out different insurance programs with the help of a widely spread volunteer force.
People beyond and under 50 years can easily register themselves with AARP, however, benefits vary with the age. If you are an old American or if you care about an older member of your family, AARP can be a great remedy for your worries.
